Zero point energy as origin of dark energy and dark matter

Abstract

An attempt is made to explain dark energy and dark matter of the expanding universe in terms of the zero point vacuum energy. This analysis is mainly limited to later stages of an observable nearly flat universe. It is based on a revised formulation of the spectral distribution of the zero point energy, for an ensemble in a defined statistical equilibrium having finite total energy density. The steady and dynamic states are studied for a spherical cloud of zero point energy photons. The "antigravitational" force due to its pressure gradient then represents dark energy, and its gravitational force due to the energy density represents dark matter. Four fundamental results come out of the theory. First, the lack of emitted radiation becomes reconcilable with the concepts of dark energy and dark matter. Second, the crucial coincidence problem of equal orders of magnitude of mass density and vacuum energy density cannot be explained by the cosmological constant, but is resolved by the present variable concepts which originate from the same photon gas balance. Third, the present approach becomes reconcilable with cosmical dimensions and with the radius of the observable universe. Fourth, the deduced acceleration of the expansion agrees with the observed one.